Senator Jack M. Martins recently met with two young filmmakers who are spreading the word about the dangers of bullying and the harm that can come to others. Lelina and Melora Chang are in the best possible position to help since, not only are they both students at Great Neck South High School, but also happen to be the associate producers of a short film entitled, “Strain,” that sends a powerful message about the consequences of bullying.

Lelina and Melora both became involved in the project after their older sister, Yin, an actress who has had a recurring role in the show “Gossip Girl” wanted to write and direct her own film about bullying. “Strain” depicts how two best friends were separated by a school clique and the devastating consequences.

It seems part of the human condition to become so focused on that which needs correction that we often fail to appreciate our progress. It’s true in our personal lives, our work lives, and certainly when it comes to how we view government. In 11 years of public service I have yet to meet anyone whose first observation about government is how great it works.

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martins Luther King, Jr. helped changed the course of our nation. This year, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's, "I have a dream" speech, which was delivered on August 28, 1963. To pay hommage to this momentous moment in American history, here is the speech:

"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

WHAT: Public hearing to review state laws and state imposed municipal finance oversight boards in the context of fiscally distressed municipalities and hear testimony as to new initiatives that provide relief and assistance to fiscally distressed municipalities

Senator Jack M. Martins rooted the New York Cosmos to victory Saturday night as the Cosmos downed the San Antonio Scorpions at Hofstra Stadium. During a stoppage in action, the Senator discussed the game with members of Elmont Soccer who were working as ball boys and girls for the game.

Senator Jack M. Martins joined with Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss and the Mineola Chamber of Commerce is welcoming a new business to the Village of Mineola. American Community Bank opened at 285 Jericho Turnpike. Senator Martins wished them much success.

There’s a lot of excitement here in Nassau County. Last week’s announcement regarding the redevelopment of Nassau Coliseum has also shined the spotlight once again on what I believe is the single, greatest economic development opportunity Long Island has seen in many years.

That opportunity is Belmont Park.

As you are probably well aware, I have been at the forefront of the redevelopment process at Belmont and I am thrilled with the mixed-use proposal submitted to the state by the New York Cosmos. This breathtaking plan calls for a world-class soccer stadium for the Cosmos team but also includes a hotel, shopping venues, seven restaurants, new community parks, and even a new Long Island Railroad Station.

If you receive a STAR rebate check for your property taxes, please, please, read this column! It’s vital news to Long Island homeowners.

New legislation requires that ALL homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption re-apply with the New York State Tax Department in order to continue receiving the exemption in 2014 and beyond. This is part of an enormous effort to root out fraud in the $1.9 billion system and it was enacted to protect honest New Yorkers against those who are falsely obtaining the exemption. In the end, they are stealing from you – the taxpayer.

Recognizing the fiscal crisis and recent filing for bankruptcy by the City of Detroit, Senator Jack M. Martins (R-C-I, Mineola), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Governments, is holding series of statewide public hearings with municipal leaders in communities with varying levels of distress to review state laws and state imposed municipal finance oversight boards in the context of fiscally distressed municipalities and hear testimony as to new initiatives that provide relief and assistance to fiscally distressed municipalities.